Jackie

Howdy, once again time has flown by... This post is in honor of Jackie who turned 14 on Monday. She is my April baby, full of Aries passion and vigor. It was when I was pregnant with Jackie that Crohn's first reared its ugly head in my life. I'm convinced that there is a link, as the two times that my Crohn's has raged out of control have been during and after having babies! Lest you think i'm complaining or registering any regret, I want to say without reservation or hesitation of any kind that I would go through it all again, times a million, to have my kids. They are the reason that I get up in the morning when things are gloomy, the reason that when I look at the world, the glass is ALWAYS half full, or more. Jackie and Dylan make my heart sing. It's on odd thing really, but honestly I think pretty common that our most difficult times in life often are right in partnership with the best parts of our life. As much as Crohns has complicated things for me and my family, it has also brought me to a peace with myself that I didn't have when I took each day for granted. It has given me patience (yes, I do have SOME patience) and helped me to stop and smell the roses. The truth is that I am who I am because of ALL my experiences and those days when EVERYTHING was hard, even breathing - and walking to the restroom was an incredible effort, make the days like today....when I feel fine but am tired of the wet, cold weather and a little grumpy because of all the work that i have piling up and because I haven't found time to run in two days....seem pretty good. I'm FORTUNATE to have a job that I love and a busy family life and to be WELL enough to go for a run. In truth I think I may be one of the luckiest people in the world. My daughter Jackie reminds me of that every day - just by being her. She is the "well" one and sometimes gets lost in the GI issues that Dylan has had over the past couple of years and before that all of his hearing and throat issues. I just wanted to post today about how much I value her and everything that she is. Her fiery passion for life, her commitment and devotion to the people and things she loves, her sense of humor - even her fears and her failures. She is the perfect daughter for me. THANK YOU, JACKIE!!!

Now, time is starting to wind down on me so I have to ask again, please help, if you can to raise the money we need to cure Crohns and Colitis. WHile it is absolutely a part of who I am, and Ithink I was meant to have it...I also think part of my mission in life - my purpose from God, is to help eradicate it from our planet. PLEASE give generously, every dime counts.
THanks and good night.... go hug your kids!!
jd